Consultation process
NANN - Arran Locality5. What opportunities are there for NANN to help grow the local green economy and deliver economic growth?
- Could the NANN be a tourist attraction, with people spending their leisure time exploring and enjoying nature across North Ayrshire?
- Would this encourage people to spend more time and money at local businesses across North Ayrshire?
Arran has world class natural assets that attract huge numbers of visitors and keep our island economy afloat. We absolutely should use the existence of the NANN to bolster our island marketing. We welcome guests to King's Cross, who revel in the peace and beauty, and the amazing biodiversity. Seeing otters or dolphins at play in Lamlash Bay can be the highlight of a holiday here, and make people return.
Why not create a series of nature based short courses? Nature spotting walking tours, Photography? Painting? Crafts: Woodworking or woodturning? Jewellery making, fibrecrafts, foraging events where you can learn to cook what you gathered.
Could be a real winner for the Arran economy.
Again, the threat from Forestry and Land Scotland should be viewed in context. Forestry employs fewer people on the island than one of the hotels in Brodick. So while forestry jobs are important, a proper balance must be struck when Tourism and Visitor spend is so much more important to Arran's economy.
I am sure if NANN got their green tourism marketing right, then that would draw people to visit areas for more nature-based experiences.
Support local projects financially, identify local groups with a strong understanding of the green economy
Involve local people through existing volunteer groups
Increased promotion of Arran as a destination for the enjoyment of nature
be on the boat, talking, posters to advertise and raise awareness and mental health. Partner with Calmac. Nature is precious. Apps e.g. Merlin. Educate about some of the less pretty things e.g. stag beetles. Can we get local personalities or young influencers? Megan McCubbin
The bottom line is Arran depends on tourism. People come here for its unique landscape, heritage and to experience the sights an sounds of nature. The only way to protect long term jobs is to ensure these precious landscapes are not lost through short term destructive development. So often commercial decisions are made by organisations that have not spent any time engaging with the local community and have no appreciation for the damage they will cause as they are blinkered by their own perceived needs. We need to start redefining our relationship with nature to match the ideals defined in the NANN Strategy document. This is the only way to turn the tide of biodiversity loss.
incentivise people to encourage green tourism
Yes I think NANN could be a tourist attraction. Linking up with Visit Arran to promote green health/tourism would seem sensible. Arran already attracts nature lovers so you would be on to a winner if you honed in on this. Offering more half day and full day nature 'experiences' for both locals and visitors providing these were affordable. Maybe you could link up with the local GPs/hospital to encourage some green health prescribing and the practitioners at Heather Lodge who could be invited to run outdoor classes -e.g. yoga, ti chi, qigong, mindfulness, sound baths, forest bathing etc. There are many local artists who might offer art or craft classes.
Arran attracts many visitors from European countries (& further afield) - many who come to enjoy exploring Arran - through trails, natural sites, and activities linked to those. NANN can help with better promotion of hiking & forestry trails, scenic spots, and activities will enhance their visit and encourage others to visit